Please note COVID-19 Vaccinations are required for all 2023 Retreats
Welcome cal!
About Cal
Cal Patch has been a maker since she was a Girl Scout in the seventies. She sews, crochets, spins, embroiders, knits, prints, makes patterns, dyes… hence the name of her clothing label: *hodge podge*. Cal has been teaching the textile arts since 2000, at shops and retreats across North America, and now offers online workshops in Pattern Drafting, Sewing and Crochet via Creativebug. After eighteen years of being a New York City dweller, Cal now resides in the Catskills where she is becoming a crafty farmer and growing her handmade wardrobe. Her first book, Design-It-Yourself Clothes, Patternmaking Simplified, was published by Potter Craft. You can see what she’s up to at https://calpatch.com.
Cal's Classes
Sew a Hand-Stitched Shirt
6 hour class
Sewing on a machine is quick and practical, but for many it’s difficult to find the dedicated time and space required to make it a regular habit. Moving your sewing practice into the realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery) means you can stitch up garments whenever you have a few spare minutes, or on the couch at night while watching a movie, and carry a project with you so you always have it. Amazingly, you might find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one!
We will work with a pattern (see supply list for options) for a simple, boxy top and learn how to sew seams, finish necklines and hem edges with only your hands and a needle and thread. Several methods for each type of seam will be shown, so you may also create a sampler of extra techniques.
Both decorative and functional stitching techniques will take your slow-fashion wardrobe to the next level, and add an element of meditative calm to your sewing. On future projects you can use your new skills in combination with machine sewing, or entirely on their own.
No prerequisite skills, though an understanding of basic sewing principles will be helpful. You will need to have your pieces (front and back only, skip any facings) cut out before start of class. Please be prepared for class with the following supplies.
Supplies needed: *Pattern for simple top Fabric: light-to-medium weight woven cotton, linen or blend. Quantity as indicated for your size** on pattern, but 2 yards is probably sufficient for most. Solid fabric is best to see your stitches, but print is ok too. Front and Back pieces ALREADY CUT OUT of your fabric (no need for any facings included in pattern). Please use simplest version with no added seams or sleeves! Fat quarter or approximately 12-18” square of similar or same fabric (could be a scrap left over after cutting) for sampler Bias tape, 1 yard of ½” single-fold, can be self-made or packaged All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes, or your favorite size Pins Scissors Marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil) and ruler Optional: Thimble
*Please use one of the following patterns:
Boxy Tee/Drapy Tunic: drafted in a previous class with Cal, or from her online video class, or tutorial found on her website (NOTE: please just do the simple version without the seam and pocket):
Lou Box Top
https://www.sewdiy.com/shop/lou-box-top-pdf-pattern
Fen Top https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/fen-pdf-pattern
All Well Box Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/713038843/all-well-box-top-sewing-pattern-hacking
Wiksten Shift Top
https://shopwiksten.com/products/womens-modern-shift-dress-top-sewing-pattern (NOTE: please use simple version without gathered back seam)
Maya Top https://www.etsy.com/listing/206020747/pdf-maya-dress-and-top-sewing-pattern
Shirt No. 1 https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/products/100-acts-of-sewing-shirt-no-1-sewing-pattern **These are loose-fitting tops, so you should be fine to choose the size called for according to your measurements. But if you are very concerned about a perfect fit, you may wish to machine-stitch a muslin/fit sample first to confirm size.
Embroidery Basics
3-hour class
Adding a touch of embroidery can turn nearly any plain thing into an art piece or heirloom. You can stitch on clothes, hand knits, home goods, accessories and other textiles you’ve made yourself, or bought pre-made. By embellishing on these items, you can make gifts more personal, commemorate events, hide mending or stains, or just give a tired old item a new life. We will learn 12 different classic embroidery stitches and experiment on a free-form sampler, or a project of your choice. Once you know how, you’ll want to add a touch of stitched decoration to everything you own, make or give.
Gaga for Granny Squares
One 3-hour class
Learn how to work a classic granny square, the basis for endless possibilities which can look vintage or modern. Granny square projects are ideal stashbusters too! Use them as building blocks to create blankets, garments and accessories. Several methods for joining will be covered, including my favorite: Join-As-You-Go. It’s never been so hip to be square! Prerequisite: Students must be comfortable with their stitches (at least chain, single and double crochet).
Visible Mending: Patching + Darning
One 3-hour class
Mending is an essential part of maintaining your handmade or Slow-Fashion wardrobe, and patching and darning are your key techniques. Cal will show you 2 different ways to patch a hole in woven garments: Overlay and Reverse Applique, various stitches that work for each method, and when to use them. Then we will mend a hole in a knitted garment with traditional darning. Whether you try to do it invisibly or artfully, you’ll extend the life of your favorite woolies by knowing how to darn them. Traditional darning works well for smaller holes or areas that are worn thin. You might have so much fun, you'll actually be happy to see a new hole in your most-loved and worn garments! No prerequisite skills.
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